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Topic starter
02/08/2020 3:02 am
Brooklin Alfa 8C 2900B vs. TSM Alfa 8C 2900B (and vs Minichamps Alfa 8C 2900B).
Recently I acquired the TSM Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B from Le Mans 1938 where it posted the fastest lap but, due to a dropped valve, was a DNF. It was ahead by 160 kilometers (about 100 miles) when this happened, so clearly it would have won if not for this misfortune.
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Not long ago I also acquired the first of Brooklin's new Alfa Romeo series, the 8C 2900B as it now appears in the Alfa Romeo Collection.
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Besides the obvious road vs. race decoration, there are some interesting differences between the two. For example the TSM has chrome door hinges, the Brooklin none, but the photos of the 1:1 show the hinges to be body color. This minor point aside, the Brooklin model appears quite accurate. The TSM's rear taillight cluster appears to point a little skyward, while the Brooklin is correctly aimed at the car behind.
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For the race, the "Alfa Romeo" script on the grille was moved to the lower part of the right front fender since the grille was painted with the race number "19", but this is not present on my model. I contacted TSM to see if I could get this part, and they are looking into it. However, as I look at examples for sale, only the TSM factory photo shows this, but no actual seller photos show it, so I wonder if it was deleted from production models.
One other TSM goof, a big one. Period race photos do not show spats (skirts) over the rear wheels. While it is possible these were removed prior to, or during, the race, I think TSM should have left them off. Once again, TSM's own photos show them off, but I see seller photos with them in place.
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I had intended to replace my diecast Minichamps with the TSM, since numerous details (especially the wheels) appear better on the resin model. The Minichamps seems to have a slight purpley tinge to it also. But the spats are missing and the Alfa script on the fender is there, so I may keep it anyway.
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02/08/2020 3:45 am
Great comparisons. This particular car is not one I paid much attention too.
I am not real knowledgeable of Alfa Romeos as a whole. I really loved the look of the Brooklin model from photos, so I had to add that to my collection. As of now, that is my only Alfa Romeo.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
02/08/2020 5:02 am
Thanks for a fine post, Harvey. Your good photos and fine descriptions have given me pleasure. Well done!
02/08/2020 12:56 pm
Great Comparison, although I am not in real sports cars
02/08/2020 1:01 pm
Great write-up and photos, Harv! I also have all three but was ...
too lazy to line them up and compare. The photos here show 2 different grill configurations:
https://primotipo.com/2016/01/20/alfa-romeo-8c-2900b-le-mans/
for the Le Mans car. Not sure why TSM made theirs all white. Looks like an extra panel was added to block cold air perhaps in the cold hours.
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From memory, the Brooklin color is a very close match to the restored car in the Museo. The race VERSION is only a guess I assume.